farmer's lung

an allergic condition caused by sensitivity to inhaled dust and the fungal spores that are found in mouldy hay or straw. It is a form of allergic alveolitis ( INFLAMMATION of the alveoli of the lungs, see ALVEOLI ), characterized by increasing BREATHLESSNESS . The condition may be treated by CORTICOSTEROID drugs but can be cured only by avoidance of the ALLERGEN .